Drugstores are invariably stocked with pills and potions that promise to boost sex life. The dietary supplements for sexual pleasure, also known as the intimacy products, are specially intended for male use. They help treat various sexual problems like low libido and erectile dysfunction. As problems related to sexual arousal and performance afflict almost half the men between the ages of 40 and 70, getting tempted to use sexual health supplements is only natural. Read through to check out the safe and active ingredients in men’s sexual health supplements for an increased spark in sex drive.
Safe Ingredients in Sexual Health Supplements
Natural herbs, plants, and trees with aphrodisiac properties are often considered helpful in correcting problems associated with reduced sexual desire. The following ingredients are considered safe for men’s sexual health supplements:
1. Tribulus Terrestris
The use of Tribulus Terrestris, a small, leafy plant, is a widely popular, traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The plant’s roots and fruit are claimed to improve physical performance and sexual activity.
In several studies, Tribulus has increased testosterone levels in men. This is linked to increased libido, improved erectile function, enhanced fertility and sexual well-being
2. Maca
Maca is a root vegetable derived from the Lepidium meyenii plant. Cultivated for more than 2000 years, it is revered for its medicinal properties. Maca is commonly used in men’s sexual health supplements to enhance fertility and sex drive. Available in forms like powders, capsules, and liquid extracts, Maca supplements act as a natural aphrodisiac that helps increase sexual desire and improves sperm quality in men.
Research shows that sexual health supplements containing Maca are effective in enhancing libido, relieve symptoms of menopause and improve fertility..
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is a herb obtained from the Panax genus of plants. The plants are colloquially named depending upon their geographical origin. The Panax ginseng or the Asian variety, and the Panax quinquefolium, the American ginseng, are the two most commonly used varieties.
Depending upon their processing time, ginseng is categorised as fresh, white, or red. Fresh ginseng is less than four years old, white ginseng ranges between 4 and 6 years, and the processing time for red ginseng is typically more than six years.
Ginseng, particularly the red one, is considered a holy grail for low libido and sexual function. The herb has been historically used as an aphrodisiac. It works by boosting the production of nitric oxide and aids in blood circulation and muscle activity in the penis.
4. L-Arginine
L-Arginine is an essential amino acid found in animal and plant-based proteins. As the body cannot produce it, L-Arginine has to be supplemented through a high-protein-based diet. It serves as a precursor to nitrogen oxide and is converted by nitrogen oxide synthase. Adequate levels of L- Arginine also improve the penile blood flow. As L-arginine increases the bioavailability of nitrogen oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate, it is commonly used as an active ingredient in men’s sexual health supplements.
5. L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline is also an amino acid. But unlike L-Arginine, L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid and is naturally produced in the body. The body then converts L-Citrulline into L-Arginine. The latter improves blood flow by producing nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels for a smooth flow of blood.
Reduced levels of L-Citrulline in the body can affect sexual health. Thus, L-Citrulline can be consumed as a dietary supplement available as a capsule or powder or naturally sourced through foods like watermelon, dark chocolate, and nuts.
6. Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is a popular herbal supplement obtained from the Eurycoma Longifolia plant. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. Its consumption is linked to improved libido, increased testosterone levels, and enhanced male fertility.
Tongkat Ali is also known to be an active antioxidant. It is rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and other compounds that help remove free radicals responsible for cellular damage.
7. Horny Goat Weed
Horny Goat Weed extract is derived from the Epimedium grandiflorum plant. A large flowering plant native to China, Japan, and Korea, it is naturally rich in icariin.
Icariin is a bioactive compound that shows PDE5 inhibitor properties. It also mimics the properties of testosterone. Research suggests that icariin enhances smooth muscle proliferation and exhibits neurotrophic effects that prove effective in treating erectile dysfunction caused by diabetes and hypertension.
8. Muira Puama
Muira Pauma is a bush native to the Amazon region in South America. The wood and the plant’s roots are known to possess aphrodisiac properties. The plant extract is actively used to increase sexual desire and function in men.
Studies that used Muira Pauma in combination with ginger, L-citrulline, and Paullinia cupana showed improvement in age-related erectile dysfunction. It also enhanced the expression of nitrogen oxide.
9. Zinc
Zinc is an active ingredient in men’s sexual health supplements. Research shows a positive impact of zinc supplementation on combating erectile dysfunction and improving overall sexual function.
Elevated zinc levels are also associated with increased serum testosterone levels and improved sperm count. Zinc deficiency is also associated with hypogonadal, impaired production of the hormone responsible for masculine growth in men. Sexual health supplements that contain zinc ensure increased testosterone levels and improved overall sexual function in men.
10. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a dietary herbal supplement derived from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree. The tree is native to the southern regions of North America. The supplement is a proven remedy for treating lower urinary tract symptoms, enlarged prostate, and promotes hair growth.
The effects of Saw Palmetto are also visible on sexual function and health. The supplement has anti-inflammatory properties, supports prostate health and regulates testosterone levels.
11. Yohimbine
Yohimbine, derived from the bark of the Pausinystalia Yohimbe tree, is an active aphrodisiac. The supplement also shows fat-burning properties and therefore is actively used in men’s sexual health supplements. Yohimbine serves as an alpha-2 antagonist, which is known to enhance sexual function.
12. Turnera Diffusa
Turnera Diffusa, or Damiana Aphrodisiaca, is a shrub native to southern Texas in the United States. The plant shows an aphrodisiac effect and is believed to stimulate sexual desire and performance. Research shows that using Turnera Diffusa in sexual health supplements increased copulatory behaviour in sexually impotent rodents. This shows Turnera Diffusa as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.
13. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair, is a tree native to China. The leaves and nuts of the Ginkgo tree have been part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The extracts of the Ginkgo tree find active usage in treating problems related to the brain, circulatory system, and respiratory system. Research shows that extracts of Ginkgo Biloba can help alleviate erectile dysfunction with SSRI-induced ED.
Nutrients for Sexual Health
A balanced diet is a sine-qua-non for overall health and well-being. Sexuality, an important aspect of human well-being, benefits from an adequate intake of nutrients. The essential nutrients known to promote sexual health in men and women are:
1. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a hormone released by the adrenal glands. Its optimum levels aid the synthesis of testosterone. DHEA deficiency is thus linked to sexual dysfunction.
2. Magnesium
The mineral is directly involved in over 300 enzyme processes. It aids in the production of sex hormones, namely testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and neurotransmitters – dopamine and adrenaline. The concoction of all influences sexual desire.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids increase dopamine levels that promote sexual arousal.
4. Iron
Iron deficiency leads to fatigue. This results in low lubrication and reduced sexual excitement. Research suggests that iron-deficient people are less likely to have an orgasm.
5. Zinc
The mineral is vital for several body activities. It boosts testosterone levels in both men and women. The mineral also helps balance the levels of oestrogen and progesterone, two hormones crucial for women’s sexual desire.
6. Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
The B vitamin facilitates the conversion of body enzymes to energy. It also enhances blood flow. This helps you enjoy vigorous sexual activities.
7. Vitamin D (Sunshine Vitamin)
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to impaired oestrogen and testosterone production. This leads to reduced sex drive.
8. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant and removes free radicals. It also helps improve blood flow and oxygen supply to sexual organs and helps maintain hormonal balance.
Conclusion
Looking for ways to boost sexual performance is not uncommon. People invariably resort to foods and supplements to boost their sexual desire. While the ‘intimacy-product’ market is flooded with sexual health supplements, the best sexual health supplements are the ones which are effective and safe with the most negligible side effects. Therefore, choose sexual health supplements with natural herbs with aphrodisiac properties as their active ingredient. Minerals and vitamins for sexuality are an added boost.
